Blood pressure 138/100. Is that too high??

I m going to take my BP for a couple of weeks and see if it s that number consistantly. The nurse who took it said that was high. Is it the top number or the bottom number that is the indicator for high BP? Thanks, Kim

Yes that number is high, Blood pressure measures the rate that blood pushes on your arterial walls. I would recommend that you monitor your blood pressure daily. A consistent high level will most likely have to be treated with meds.Some factors to consider are if you were frightened or stressed that day, if you just smoked a cigarette, had a high salt food for lunch, or if you have recently gained weight, as well as genetics could play a role in increased blood pressure. I would not play games with this, you can purchase an inexpensive cuff and stethoscope in a pharmacy or medical supply store or use a machine in the pharmacy to monitor. If you get frequent headaches or your ancles swell these may also be symptoms of high blood pressure.Becareful and please have my best wishes.

Answered: Tue, 15 Dec 2009

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